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2 clusters · 7 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Global and US recorded music market trends

Overview

In the first half of 2026, the recorded music industry showed significant growth, particularly in the United States and through major rights holders like BMG.

BMG reported a 4.9% year-over-year revenue increase to approximately $515 million, driven by high single-digit growth in recorded music streaming subscriptions and rights and licenses. The company also achieved its highest first-half investment in music rights to date, following a period of significant catalog acquisitions.

On a broader scale, U.S. recorded music revenues reached approximately $6 billion in the same period, a 6.9% increase from 2025. Streaming remains the primary driver, accounting for roughly 82% of total revenue. While permanent downloads declined, physical music formats experienced a surge, with vinyl sales increasing by 17.7% and CD revenue rising by 58.6%. Additionally, sync licensing saw an 18.2% increase.

Entities

Apple Music · YouTube Music · Thomas Coesfeld · Recording Industry Association of America · Bertelsmann

Timeline

  1. 10 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    US recorded music revenue hits $6 billion in H1 2026

    U.S. recorded music revenue grew 6.9% to $6 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by streaming subscriptions and a 25.9% surge in physical formats like vinyl and CDs.

  2. 14 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    BMG reports $515M H1 2026 revenue amid record music rights investments

    BMG reported $515 million in H1 2026 revenue, a nearly 5% increase driven by music streaming. The company also achieved record first-half investments in music rights catalogs.

Sources

billboard.com · diariofinanciero.com · digitalmusicnews.com · mediaplaynews.com · musicbusinessworldwide.com · rapindustry.com · visimag.com